Women’s History Month 2026: Leaders Strengthening Health, Hope, and Opportunity Across New York
During Women’s History Month, Fidelis Care is proud to recognize our 2026 Women of Impact. These leaders and changemakers strengthen our communities every day and help expand opportunities, uplift families, and inspire meaningful progress. We celebrate them for the dedication and compassion that help move our mission forward.
Xiomara Castro
Site Director, Westchester Community Health Center-Yonkers
Xiomara Castro is dedicated to expanding access to quality, preventive healthcare in the Yonkers community. As Site Director of Westchester Community Health Center, she ensures patients receive comprehensive care that supports both physical and mental well-being. Passionate about serving vulnerable populations, Xiomara believes preventive care saves lives and that meaningful action creates lasting impact.
Melissa Clark
Donor Recruitment Supervisor, American Red Cross
Melissa Clark has years of nonprofit leadership experience, including a long tenure with United Way of the Dutchess–Orange Region, and has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and SUNY New Paltz. She has partnered with Fidelis Care on community initiatives including United Way’s Day of Service, diaper and school supply drives, and hygiene distribution events, reflecting her ongoing commitment to serving underserved communities.
Tiffany Dennison
WIC Nutrition Assistant, LifeWorks Community Action
Tiffany Dennison helps connect families with nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling, and fresh fruit and vegetable benefits for use at local farmers markets. She is especially passionate about WIC’s breastfeeding support services. Tiffany prioritizes ensuring families receive the resources they need to stay healthy and reduce stress during the early months of parenthood. She works closely with Fidelis Care to connect Saratoga County WIC recipients with nutrition programming.
Dr. Myla Estepa
Pediatrician, Pediatric Wellness of Northern New York
Dr. Myla Estepa, who was born and raised in the Philippines, completed her education there before pursuing career opportunities in Syracuse and later Watertown, where she now practices with Pediatric Wellness of Northern New York. Alongside her colleagues, she helped establish the Neuro Crew program to identify behavioral concerns early, support timely intervention, and empower parents to advocate for their children at home and in school. Pediatric Wellness of Northern New York received a Fidelis Care grant to enhance the program, and Dr. Estepa has also partnered with Fidelis Care to coordinate a provider Lunch & Learn focused on the importance of fluoride treatments in clinical settings.
Robin Fuller
Early Childhood Development Community Coalition Coordinator & First Step Family Resource Center Manager, Ardent Solutions
Robin Fuller is passionate about supporting families and connecting them to essential resources, while also championing the Allegany County Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5. Through storytime, arts and crafts, and open play, the Family Resource Center fosters early social development. In 2024, with support from a Fidelis Care Behavioral Health Grant, a Sensory Friendly Play Area was added to ensure inclusive, accessible play for all children. Robin partners with Fidelis Care through community events and by hosting a Health Benefit Representative weekly at the center.
Debbie Hampson-Chapman
Senior Director, Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens Community Outreach Services
Debbie Hampson-Chapman is a seasoned leader in mental health and social services with more than 40 years of experience serving vulnerable populations. She oversees health and wellness programs, community centers, food pantries, and emergency response initiatives that support low-income families and individuals living with mental illness. Debbie has led large-scale disaster response efforts following 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic, including coordinating emergency food pop-ups that have distributed more than 1 million meals. Recognized for her leadership and advocacy, Debbie continues to build impactful programs and partnerships that strengthen communities across Brooklyn and Queens.
Joelle Hutson
Director, Rural Health Network of Oswego County and Coordinator of Community Health, Oswego County Opportunities
Joelle Hutson works to strengthen collaboration across healthcare, behavioral health, and community-based organizations to improve access, equity, and outcomes for local families. She also oversees the Cancer Services Program of the North Country, supporting outreach and navigation for those facing barriers to screenings and treatment. Deeply rooted in the community, Joelle partners with Fidelis Care on community initiatives and played a key role in coordinating a large-scale Veggies to Go event in Oswego County to support local families.
Albania Jimenez
Chief of Advocacy & Community Mobilization, Literacy Inc.
Albania Jimenez leads programs that promote parent engagement, early literacy, and community leadership across New York City. With more than 20 years of grassroots experience, she has helped launch initiatives such as the LINC Lobby Reading Program, bringing books and literacy into everyday community spaces. Albania also serves as Democratic District Leader and State Committeewoman for the 72nd Assembly District and as Chair of the Youth and Education Committee for Manhattan Community Board 12. She is passionate about supporting immigrant families and empowering parents to foster a lifelong love of reading in their children.
Det. Lt. Stephanie Jones
Commanding Officer, Juvenile Aide Bureau/Domestic Violence/PAL, Hempstead Police Department
Det. Lt. Stephanie Jones is a dedicated law enforcement leader with deep roots in community service and youth engagement. Born to Belizean parents and raised in Harlem, she began her career in public service before joining the Village of Hempstead Police Department in 2008. Rising through the ranks to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and now Detective Lieutenant, she oversees the Juvenile Aid Bureau, Police Activity League, and Domestic Violence Units, focusing on protecting and uplifting vulnerable populations. A proud mother and active community advocate, Stephanie is committed to fostering trust, strengthening families, and building safer, more connected communities in Hempstead.
Theresa Krause
Food Council Manager, Broome County Food Council
Theresa Krause has served as Food Council Manager for the Broome County Food Council since August 2022, bringing a diverse background that includes experience in engineering, direct sales, ministry, and service within a local school district. She works closely with community partners and Fidelis Care Community Relations staff to strengthen food access and connect residents in Broome and surrounding counties to essential resources. Theresa’s collaborative approach and dedication to addressing food insecurity continue to make a meaningful impact across the region.
Delores Morgan
Executive Director, Seneca County House of Concern
Delores Morgan leads a dedicated team of volunteers supporting more than 450 local families through a food pantry and thrift store. Guided by a deep commitment to service, she works tirelessly to meet individuals where they are, creating access to essential resources, support, and hope. Fidelis Care partners with the House of Concern throughout the year, participating in monthly food distributions and recently collaborating to host a mobile dental unit on site, expanding access to needed care for community members.
Beverley Philips
Community Engagement Specialist, Literacy Inc.
Beverley Philips has been a dedicated advocate for early childhood education in South Jamaica, Queens for more than 25 years. She collaborates with local stakeholders, council members, and community-based organizations to promote early literacy across the neighborhood. Beverley leads initiatives that deliver books and host interactive workshops for caregivers in parks, libraries, schools, and community spaces, encouraging families to connect through reading, singing, talking, writing, and play. Her passion lies in empowering caregivers and fostering a lifelong love of learning for children from birth to age 5.
Yesly Sandoval
Director of Patient Engagement & Retention, Visiting Docs
Yesly Sandoval is a Rockland County resident and dedicated healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience in cancer screening programs, public health initiatives, and community outreach. She has spent over a decade working with the American Cancer Society, providing patient advocacy, care coordination, and education to promote timely screenings and follow-up care. In her current role at Visiting Docs, Yesly works closely with hospitals, providers, and community organizations to help patients navigate complex healthcare systems and overcome barriers such as financial hardship and language differences. Her commitment to improving access to care has earned her recognition including Rockland County’s 40 Under 40 Award and the Community Champion Award.
Kelly Shanahan
Care Coordinator & Community Outreach Coordinator, Rural Outreach Center
Kelly Shanahan evaluates individual needs and helps connect participants to acute care and long-term support services. She works to promote self-sufficiency by assisting individuals with housing, employment, education, and navigating government systems. Through her knowledge and advocacy, Kelly helps participants access the tools they need to move forward. She and the Rural Outreach Center team have partnered with Fidelis Care to expand access to health insurance and strengthen community awareness across southern Erie County.
Ligia Soto-Cruz
Community Engagement Regional Manager for Central and East of Suffolk, Sun River Health
Ligia Soto-Cruz, originally from Guatemala, moved to Long Island at age 13 and began volunteering to support the local Hispanic community in Greenport and Riverhead. She has dedicated more than two decades to serving underserved communities. Over the years, Ligia has advanced into leadership roles, earned her associate’s degree, obtained her CASAC-T certification, and participated in international medical and public health missions that deepened her commitment to service. Today, as Community Engagement Regional Manager for Central and East Suffolk County, she continues to lead outreach efforts that expand access to care for families across Long Island.
Bree Wakefield
Executive Director, Mosaic of the Southern Tier
Bree Wakefield serves as Executive Director of Mosaic of the Southern Tier, leading an organization dedicated to supporting women, men, and families during vulnerable moments. Mosaic works to empower individuals to make informed, life-affirming decisions while strengthening families and promoting long-term well-being. Through a 2025 Fidelis Care maternal health grant, Bree and her team have expanded services to reach and support even more women and families across the Southern Tier, continuing their mission to ensure every life is valued and supported.
Kerrie Wolfe-Piechota
Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator, Sycamore Collaborative
Kerrie Wolfe-Piechota works alongside hundreds of volunteers at the Sycamore Collaborative food pantry to support programs that serve more than 12,000 high-need individuals each year, including summer meals for children. With a background in education and nonprofit leadership, Kerrie is deeply committed to service both professionally and personally. She partners with Fidelis Care to help pantry guests access health insurance coverage and to coordinate volunteer engagement efforts that expand community impact.
Maggie Wong
Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Maggie Wong is deeply committed to expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved and immigrant communities across Queens and Manhattan. Maggie works closely with community partners, including Fidelis Care, to organize impactful initiatives such as health fairs, back-to-school events, baby showers, and educational programs that promote preventive care. Through her leadership, she helps ensure families can navigate the healthcare system and access comprehensive services regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.